Bay of Fundy Tidal Potential

In 2006 the Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI) studied areas in Nova Scotia with potential to generate renewable energy through the use of tidal in-stream technologies. This work was funded by Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Nova Scotia Power.

Seven potential locations were identified in the Bay of Fundy. Based on an assumption that 15 per cent of the tidal energy could be extracted without causing significant environmental impacts (this assumption still needs to be tested), the study concluded that the seven areas could generate a total of 330 megawatts (MW) as follows:

• Cumberland Basin, 6.5 MW
• Minas Channel, 131 MW
• Minas Passage, 166 MW
• Cobequid Bay, 6.3 MW
• Digby Gut, 4.9 MW
• Petit Passage, 9.2 MW
• Grand Passage, 6.6 MW

 

However, more investigation is needed before Fundy’s tidal energy potential can be accurately determined. Issues to be addressed include the environmental and socio-economic impacts of tidal energy development and the province’s transmission capacity.

EPRI has also prepared a similar study of New Brunswick tidal energy potential, identifying eight areas in the Bay of Fundy with capacity to generate at least 90 MW.

• Lubec Narrows, 1.2 MW
• Western Passage, 10.8 MW
• Head Harbour Passage, 14.0 MW
• Letete Passage, 4.2 MW
• Saint John River, to be determined
• Cape Enrage, 30.0 MW
• Shepody Bay, 13.0 MW
• Cumberland Basin, 16.7 MW

For more information see the EPRI Nova Scotia and EPRI New Brunswick reports.